How amyloid clumps form in type 2 diabetes
Structural mechanism of diabetic amyloid formation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11224680
This project looks at how a hormone called amylin clumps together and may harm the insulin-making cells in people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11224680 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are tracking how the hormone human islet amyloid polypeptide (amylin) folds and sticks together as it aggregates in the pancreas. They use a technique called rapid-scan 2D infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy to watch short-lived oligomer forms as they form and change. The team has identified a specific intermediate (the "FGAIL oligomer") with distinct beta-sheet and helix features and has seen it across multiple mammal species. By mapping these transient structures, they hope to reveal targets for therapies that stop the toxic forms before they damage beta cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes or people at high risk for type 2 diabetes who are interested in research aimed at preserving beta-cell function.
Not a fit: People with type 1 diabetes, conditions unrelated to amylin aggregation, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that prevent amylin oligomers from damaging insulin-producing beta cells and slow or prevent progression of type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Antibodies targeting amylin oligomers have slowed diabetes in animal models, showing the general approach has promise, while detailed structural tracking with rapid-scan 2D IR is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZANNI, MARTIN T — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: ZANNI, MARTIN T
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus